YLI – Botanical Matter System
Student Name : Eleni Exadaktilou
Mentor Name :
Company : CHIMAR
Green Producer Diary
My Motivation
I was inspired by the botanical knowledge of Greece and by the idea that nature can actively support the life of a garment. Through YLI, I wanted to explore how a contemporary knitted piece could become more durable and require less frequent washing. Sustainability is important to me because it begins with thoughtful material choices and continues through the way a product is used, cared for, and valued over time. I wanted to create a garment that feels minimal and modern while carrying a deeper connection to the land and its natural resources.
My Vetrine Journey
Over the course of the project, I began by researching Greek plants and their properties, especially their potential role in textile care and performance. From there, I developed the central concept of combining botanical extracts with modern knit production. The garment itself was designed as a clean, minimal knitted piece made from 100% organic cotton, with different textures and knit zones shaping its structure. A key stage was developing and testing a natural treatment using sage, mountain tea, and pomegranate extracts. One of the biggest challenges was finding a balance between experimentation and consistency so that the textile treatment would support the garment without overpowering its design identity. Another challenge was translating a nature-based idea into a contemporary production context. I overcame these challenges through testing, observation, and collaboration with the design and production team. By the end of the process, the project had evolved into a garment that connects material innovation, botanical knowledge, and long-lasting use.
Sustainability Aspect | Your Actions / Explanation |
|---|---|
Environmental | I used 100% organic cotton and developed a plant-based textile treatment with sage, mountain tea, and pomegranate extracts. The treatment helps the garment stay fresh for longer, supports low-wash use, and extends its life cycle. |
Social | The project was developed through collaboration with Greek creative professionals in design, production, and photography, while also drawing on local botanical knowledge as an important cultural resource. |
Financial | The garment was designed for durability and long-term use. Its low-wash character can reduce maintenance demands over time, while its timeless structure supports lasting value instead of short-term consumption. |
A Message to Consumers
I would like people to see this garment not only as a fashion piece, but as the result of research, collaboration, and respect for natural materials. YLI is designed to last longer and to show that sustainability can be embedded in both the making of a garment and in the way it is cared for.
A Message to Future Learners
Stay curious and allow experimentation to guide your process. Sustainable fashion can begin with a simple question about materials, care, or lifespan, and it can grow into something innovative when traditional knowledge meets contemporary design.
Product Details
Product Name
YLI – Botanical Matter System
Reference / SKU
VETRINE-YLI-KNIT-GR-COT-2026-001
Color
Warm Taupe (Botanical Infusion)
Size
One size (Adjustable Fit)
Weight
Approx. 960g (Long Knit Kimono Garment)
Quantity (if multi-pack)
One
Materials Information
Composition
100% Organic Cotton
% Recycled Materials
Recycled Materials: Not applied in current prototype (focus on natural and upcycled inputs), Reusability: High, Recyclability: Yes
Traceable assets (materials origin IDs, fibers batches)
Organic Cotton Fibre, Full Fashion Knit Garment, Botanical Inputs: Sage, Mountain Tea, Pomegranate Peels (Upcycled, Food-Derived Material, Self-Processed & Pre-Dried Sources))
Manufacturing & Supply Chain
1
Location
Thessaloniki, Greece
2
Date
Sourcing: 2025-10, Testing: 2025-11 to 2026-02, Production: 2026-03
3
Type of processes
Knitting (Full Fashion), Pre-washing, Garment Construction, Botanical Treatment (Warm Extraction & Cold Infusion Testing), Finishing
supply chain map
Tier 4Raw material
Organic Cotton Grower
Tier 3Material processing
Yarn Processing (Spinning)
Tier 2Component manufacturing
Knitting Production (Danny Kein, Greece)
Tier 1Final assembly
Design (Niki Roditi), Development & Final Assembly (Lena Exadaktilou)
Environmental & Social Impact
Recyclable: Yes, Biodegradable: Yes, Microplastics: No, Natural Materials: 100%, Low-Wash System: Supported
60 Hours (Research, Testing, Development & Construction), Estimated Production Cost: €66 (based on full fashion knitting, botanical treatment and low-waste construction)
Care, Repair & Lifetime Extension
1
Care Instructions
Machine wash cold (max 30°C, gentle cycle, low frequency), do not tumble dry, air dry in shade to preserve botanical treatment
2
Repair Information
Knit repair service or manual mending
Recycle: Suitable for textile recycling or natural fibre disposal
